Peter Houston has said that Dundee United need to attain consistency following their cup win against Rangers and is targeting a win against St Johnstone this weekend.

United are on a high after running out 2-0 winners in the Scottish Cup tie at ibrox on Sunday but Houston is keen to see his players hit similarly high standards on league duty.

With Steve Lomas’ St Johnstone side due to visit Tannadice on Saturday, the manager said that his players had a challenge ahead of them to show that they can be a top six side again in addition to being cup contenders.

“We played exceptionally well [on Sunday],” Houston said. “We caught Rangers on an off day, and people shouldn’t forget that.

“I see this game against St Johnstone on Saturday as being every bit as big.

“The test is to string a number of games together where we play the same way.

“A test for us now is to get into the top six, stay in the top six and ensure we are in the top six come the split and that’s going to take consistency.”

The Tannadice boss said that although attention would inevitably turn to the cup quarter final against Celtic in March, the SPL games played between now and then were a chance to show that his side could put in impressive performances week in, week out.

“We have been inconsistent with results this year,” Houston admitted. “We have played well, on occasion, and not got the results we’ve deserved, I feel.

“I think Saturday and the forthcoming SPL matches before the cup tie here against Celtic is a big test for us to get as many points on the board as possible.

“We enjoyed some nice praise this week but the hard work and preparation begins today.”

Houston added that there was no danger of his players failing to be ready for their return to league duty with a local rivalry in play.

“We’re preparing to face a very good St Johnstone side who could be one of the teams of the season with the consistency that they’ve shown,” he added.

“They’ve got good strikers in Sandaza and Sheridan, who will pose a threat to us, but our record is quite good against St Johnstone.

“We’ve done well, we work hard, it’s a Tayside derby. That should be enough motivation.”